Halloween is coming soon and your family is probably planning to go trick-or-treating. This is a fun fall tradition, but it’s important to remain safe while out in the community, and to find a healthy balance when it comes to enjoying your sweet treats. Review these tips from Healthy365 for a safe and happy Halloween night this year!
Follow trick-or-treating times
First and foremost, if you’re planning to take your family out to trick or treat, be sure to follow the times set by your community. Don’t bother your neighbors for treats (or tricks) outside of these times and you’ll be in for a Happy Halloween. This year, Hallow’s Eve falls on a Sunday and in the larger Hancock County cities of Greenfield, Fortville, McCordsville and New Palestine, trick or treat times are planned for 5-8 p.m. If you’re going to take a trip outside of Hancock County for additional candy collecting, you can see more local trick or treat times from Indy with Kids.
COVID-19 precautions
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, face coverings are still recommended to reduce the spread, especially indoors and for those who are unvaccinated. You can incorporate a face mask into your or your child’s costume with these fun ideas, and use hand sanitizer often, especially when handling treats that you or others will be eating. Trick-or-treating is generally expected to be a safe holiday tradition this year since it mostly takes place outside, but try to avoid indoor parties or crowds on the streets if possible.
Review trick-or-treating safety rules
We recommend going trick-or-treating as a family, especially with children younger than 12. Whether or not you accompany your kiddos, it’s important to review safety rules. Plan your route together, and make sure your kids know to stick together as a group. Trick-or-treaters should only walk on sidewalks and crosswalks, and never go inside a home or car. Some communities have different policies on lights, but generally you should only approach a home if their front lights are on. These days, many who pass out candy may sit in their driveway or on their porch.
Get your home ready
Speaking of passing out candy, make sure to get your own home ready for visitors too. Clean up any tripping hazards on your driveways or paths, such as outdoor toys, leaves or debris. Turn on your outdoor lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs if necessary. If you have pets, you may want to have them stay inside to keep both them and any children visitors safe. And though candy is the usual currency on Halloween, you may also consider passing out small toys like holiday stickers, crayons or glow sticks.
Provide a healthy balance
As you collect treats with your family, try to help your children make smart choices when it comes to all that candy. It’s perfectly okay to indulge in sweets on occasion, but there are also ways to curb a potential candy binge. It can help to eat an early and filling dinner before heading out to trick or treat. Try not to let your child snack on candy too much while you’re still out. Once you’re home, you can inspect their loot to check candy labels for any allergens and remove gum, peanuts or hard candies for younger children. You might also try talking to your children about trading in some or all of their candy for a different kind of treat, like a coveted toy, new book or a fun outing together.
If you have more questions about eating healthy or maintaining a wellness journey for you or your family, the Support Navigators at Healthy365 would love to help! Contact us today to learn more about our connections to local resources for Hancock County residents.